Multi-fiber fiber optic connector

ABSTRACT

A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable and a fiber optic connector. The cable includes a jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile that defines a major axis and a minor axis. Strength components of the cable are anchored to the connector. The fiber optic connector includes a multi-fiber ferrule defining a major axis that is generally perpendicular to the major axis of the jacket and a minor axis that is generally perpendicular to the minor axis of the jacket. Certain types of connectors include a connector body defining a side opening that extends along a length of the connector body; a multi-fiber ferrule configured for lateral insertion into the connector body through the side opening; and a cover that mounts over the side opening after the multi-fiber ferrule has been inserted into the connector body through the side opening.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/599,833, filed 11 Oct. 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,782,487on 22 Sep. 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/945,227, filed 4 Apr. 2018, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,451,817 on 22 Oct. 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/717,622, filed 27 Sep. 2017, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 9,964,715 on 8 May 2018, which is a continuation of Ser. No.15/209,282, filed 13 Jul. 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,864,151 on9 Jan. 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/051,295, filed 23 Feb. 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,442,257 on13 Sep. 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/360,383, filed 23 May 2014, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,304,262 on5 Apr. 2016, which is a U.S. National Stage of PCT International Patentapplication No. PCT/US2012/062526, filed 30 Oct. 2012, which claimsbenefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/563,275, filed on 23 Nov. 2011and which applications are incorporated herein by reference. To theextent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the abovedisclosed applications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber communicationsystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiberoptic connectors used in optical fiber communication systems.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber connectors are an important part of most fiber opticcommunication systems. Fiber optic connectors allow two optical fibersto be quickly optically connected without requiring a splice. Fiberoptic connectors can be used to optically interconnect two lengths ofoptical fiber. Fiber optic connectors can also be used to interconnectlengths of optical fiber to passive and active equipment.

A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly supported ata distal end of a connector housing. A spring is used to bias theferrule assembly in a distal direction relative to the connectorhousing. The ferrule functions to support an end portion of at least oneoptical fiber (in the case of a multi-fiber ferrule, the ends ofmultiple fibers are supported). The ferrule has a distal end face atwhich a polished end of the optical fiber is located. When two fiberoptic connectors are interconnected, the distal end faces of theferrules abut one another and the ferrules are forced proximallyrelative to their respective connector housings against the bias oftheir respective springs. With the fiber optic connectors connected,their respected optical fibers are coaxially aligned such that the endfaces of the optical fibers directly oppose one another. In this way, anoptical signal can be transmitted from optical fiber to optical fiberthrough the aligned end faces of the optical fibers. For many fiberoptic connector styles, alignment between two fiber optic connectors isprovided through the use of an intermediate fiber optic adapter.

A number of fiber optic connection systems have been developed for usein outside environments. Such connection systems typically have aruggedized/hardened construction adapted for accommodating substantialpull-out forces. Such connection systems are also typically sealed tolimit moisture intrusion. Example fiber optic connection systems adaptedfor outside use are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,648,520, 7,264,402,7,572,065, 7,744,288, 7,762,726, 7,744,286, 7,942,590.

Multi-fiber connectors can include splice-on configurations and directtermination configurations. For a splice-on configuration, opticalfibers are pre-terminated within a multi-fiber ferrule and the end faceof the ferrule is processed (e.g., polished and shaped as needed). Afterprocessing of the ferrule, the optical fibers have polished end faces ata front of the ferrule and also have pigtails that project rearwardlyfrom the ferrule. In use, the multi-fiber ferrule is loaded into aconnector and the pigtails are spliced to optical fibers correspondingto a fiber optic cable desired to be coupled to the connector.Typically, the splice location is positioned rearward of the connector(e.g., see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/106,371, filed May 12,2011; and titled “Splice Enclosure Arrangement for Fiber Optic Cables,”U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/421,314, filed Dec. 9,2010, and titled “Splice Enclosure Arrangement for Fiber Optic Cables.”In a direct termination configuration, the optical fibers of a fiberoptic cable are terminated directly in a multi-fiber ferrule of amulti-fiber connector without using any intermediate splice. What isneeded is a multi-fiber connector that can readily accommodate splice-onand direct termination configurations. What is also needed is a hardenedmulti-fiber connector that can readily accommodate splice-on and directtermination configurations.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multi-fiber connectorthat accommodates both spliced-on and direct termination configurations.For direct termination configurations, a ferrule can be mounted directlyat ends of the optical fibers of the cable, the ferrule end face can beprocessed (e.g., polished, shaped, etc.) and then the cable and ferruleassembly can be loaded into the connector body. For splice-onconfigurations, optical fibers are pre-installed in the ferrule and theferrule is processed. Thereafter, the pigtails of the optical fibers arespliced to the fibers of an optical cable and then the assembly isloaded into the connector body.

Certain example types of fiber optic cable assemblies include a fiberoptic cable and a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic cable includesa jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile thatdefines a major axis and a minor axis. The major and minor axes of thejacket are generally perpendicular relative to one another. The fiberoptic cable also includes optical fibers contained within the jacket.The fiber optic cable also includes first and second strength componentspositioned on opposite sides of the optical fibers. The first and secondstrength components are anchored relative to the fiber optic connector,which includes a connector body in which a multi-fiber ferrule ismounted. The multi-fiber ferrule defines a major axis and a minor axis.The major and minor axes of the multi-fiber ferrule axis are generallyperpendicular relative to one another. The major axis of the multi-fiberferrule is generally perpendicular to the major axis of the jacket andthe minor axis of the multi-fiber ferrule is generally perpendicular tothe minor axis of the jacket. During assembly, the multi-fiber ferrulecan be side loaded into the fiber optic connector. Certain example typesof fiber optic connectors include a connector body, a multi-fiberferrule that mounts at a front end of the connector body, and a cover.The connector body has a length that extends along an axis of theconnector body. The connector body includes front and rear endsseparated by the length of the connector body. The connector body alsodefines a side opening that extends along the length of the connectorbody. The side opening is arranged and configured for allowing themulti-fiber ferrule to be inserted laterally into the connector bodythrough the side opening. The cover mounts over the side opening afterthe multi-fiber ferrule has been inserted into the connector bodythrough the side opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example hardened multi-fibercable assembly in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure, and adapter is shown coupling the first cable assembly to asecond example cable assembly terminated by a multi-fiber connector;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example fiber optic cable havinga major axis and a minor axis;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components of the first and secondcable assemblies shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an example connector including a connectorbody, a spring-biased multi-fiber ferrule, and a cover;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the example connector of FIG. 4 shows inthe cover exploded from a side opening in the connector body;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the example hardenedconnector arrangement of FIG. 3 including the connector of FIG. 4 with aportion of the cover exploded to reveal part of the interior of theconnector body, a front end piece exploded forwardly of the connectorbody to reveal optical fiber portions, and the multi-fiber ferruleexploded outwardly and rotated 90°;

FIG. 7 is an axial cross-sectional view of the connector of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a cross-section of the example hardenedconnector arrangement of FIG. 1 showing the ferrule extending outwardlythrough the connector body;

FIG. 9 shows the view of the example hardened connector arrangement ofFIG. 8 rotated 90°;

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the example hardened connectorarrangement of FIG. 3 with various components exploded outwardlyincluding the connector body, the cover, and the strain-relief boot;

FIG. 11 is an axial cross-sectional view of the example hardenedconnector arrangement shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the example hardenedconnector arrangement of FIG. 3 shown assembled and with a rear portionof the cable fibers and the strength components removed from view;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a lateral cross-section of the examplehardened connector arrangement of FIG. 1 taken along the 13-13 line ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 13A is a front elevational view of ribbonized fibers recoated in amatrix material;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lateral cross-section of the examplehardened connector arrangement of FIG. 1 taken along the 14-14 line ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is an axial cross-sectional view of the example hardenedconnector arrangement of FIG. 3 shown assembled and with a rear portionof the cable fibers and the strength components removed from view;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an enlarged section of an exampleoptical cable 400, which has a plurality of optical fibers 410 formed ina ribbon and a protection plate, suitable for use in the of fiber opticcable assemblies disclosed herein; and

FIGS. 17-19 are various views of an example protection plate suitablefor use in the cable shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some aspects of this disclosure are directed to certain types of fiberoptic cable assemblies 100 including a fiber optic cable 105 terminatedby a fiber optic connector 110 (FIG. 3). In accordance with someaspects, the fiber optic connector 110 may be part of a hardened (i.e.,environmentally sealed) fiber optic connector arrangement 108. In someimplementations, the fiber optic connector arrangement 108 is configuredto interface with a second fiber optic cable assembly 200. In theexample shown, the second fiber optic cable assembly 200 includes amulti-fiber connector 210 terminating a second fiber optic cable 205.

In other implementations, the fiber optic connector arrangement 108 isconfigured to couple to a fiber optic adapter 150 to enable connectionto the fiber optic connector 210 of the second fiber optic cableassembly 200. For example, in FIG. 1, the example adapter 150 enables afirst fiber optic connector 110, which terminates a first optical cable105, to mate with a second optic connector 210, which terminates asecond optical cable 205. The adapter 150 defines a socket configured toreceive a connectorized end of the second cable assembly 200. In someimplementations, the fiber optic adapter 150 is configured to mountwithin an opening defined in a wall, plate, enclosure, or otherstructure.

In some implementations, the fiber optic connector arrangement 108 is ahardened (i.e., environmentally sealed) fiber optic connectorarrangement 108. In some implementations, the adapter 150 is a hardened(i.e., environmentally sealed) adapter. In certain implementations, theadapter 150 enables the hardened fiber optic connector arrangement 108to mate with a non-hardened (i.e., unsealed) fiber optic connector 210.For example, in FIG. 1, the adapter 150 coupled to the hardened fiberoptic connector arrangement 108 is configured to receive a non-hardenedfiber optic connector 210 (e.g., an MPO connector). Certain types ofhardened fiber optic connector arrangements 108 are configured to matewith other hardened fiber optic connector arrangements (e.g., in a plugand receptacle style connection).

FIG. 2 shows one example fiber optic cable 105 including one or moreoptical fibers 106 surrounded by an outer jacket 107. The outer jacket107 has an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile defining a majoraxis A1 and a minor axis A2. In the example shown, the transversecross-sectional profile defined by the outer jacket 107 is generallyrectangular with rounded ends. The major axis A1 and the minor axis A2intersect perpendicularly at a lengthwise axis of the cable 105. Thetransverse cross-sectional profile has maximum width that extends alongthe major axis A1 and a maximum thickness that extends along the minoraxis A2. The maximum width of the transverse cross-sectional profile islonger than the maximum thickness of the transverse cross-sectionalprofile. In one example implementation, the fiber optic cable 105 is aflat drop cable.

In some implementations, the first and second optical cables 105, 205include multiple optical fibers. In such implementations, the fiberoptic connectors 110, 210 are configured to terminate multiple fibers.In other implementations, one or both of the optical cables 105, 205include only a single optical fiber. In some implementations, the outerjacket 107 also defines a first passage 109 that extends through theouter jacket 107 along a lengthwise axis of the outer jacket 107. Incertain implementations, the optical fibers 106 are disposed loose inthe first passage 109. In other implementations, the optical fibers 106may be ribbonized, buffered, or otherwise contained within the passage109. In the example shown, the fiber optic cable 105 includes twelveoptical fibers 106. In other implementations, however, the fiber opticcable 105 may include a greater or lesser number of optical fibers 106(e.g., one fiber, two fibers, six fibers, ten fibers, fifteen fibers,twenty-four fibers, etc.).

At least one strength component 170 also extends through the outerjacket 107 along a lengthwise axis of the outer jacket 107. In theexample shown, first and second strength components 170 are disposed onopposite sides of the first passage 109 along the major axis A1. Inother implementations, example fiber optic cables 105 may include asingle strength component 170. In still other implementations, examplefiber optic cables 105 may include additional strength components 170.In certain embodiments, each strength components 108 is formed by alayer of reinforcing elements (e.g., fibers or yarns such as aramidfibers or yarns) embedded or otherwise integrated within a binder toform a reinforcing structure. In still other embodiments, each strengthcomponent 170 can have a glass reinforced polymer (GRP) construction. Insome implementations, the strength component 170 has a roundcross-sectional profile. In other implementations, the cross-sectionalprofile of the strength component 170 may be any desired shape (e.g.,rectangular, oblong, obround, etc.). Other example cable configurationsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,041,166, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the example fiber optic connectorarrangement 108 of FIG. 1. The example fiber optic connector arrangement108 includes a fiber optic connector 110 having a body 111 and aspring-biased ferrule 510. A metal reinforcing sleeve 131 mounts over arear portion 115 of the connector body 111. The metal reinforcing sleeve131 includes a main sleeve body 132 and a lip 133 that projects radiallyoutwardly from the main sleeve body 132. The lip 133 has a rearwardlyfacing surface 133 a (FIG. 15).

An outermost sleeve 134 mounts over the metal reinforcing sleeve 131.The outermost sleeve 134 includes an internal shoulder having aforwardly facing surface 134 a (FIG. 15) that abuts the rearwardlyfacing surface 133 a of the lip 133 to limit rearward movement of thereinforcing sleeve 131 relative to the outermost sleeve 134 (see FIG.15). In certain implementations, the outermost sleeve 134 defines keyingfeatures 135 that mate with corresponding keying features 135 b of theconnector body 111 to ensure proper rotational alignment before theparts when the parts are assembled together. The connector body 111 andthe outermost sleeve 134 have a molded plastic construction. An externalseal (e.g., an O-ring) 139 mounts about the outermost sleeve 134 (seeFIGS. 8, 9, and 12). The seal 139 provides protection against water,dust, or other contaminants when the hardened connector arrangement 108is mated with another component.

A front end piece 130 mounts at the front end 112 of the connector body111 and connects to the outermost sleeve 134 such that the outermostsleeve 134 and the front end piece 130 are secured in place relative tothe connector body 111 (i.e., the connector body 111 is captured betweenthe pieces). In certain implementations, the front end piece 130snap-fits to the outermost sleeve 134. In other implementations, thefront end piece 130 otherwise couples to the outermost sleeve 134.Keying features 135 c of the front end piece 130 may align with keyingfeatures 135 a of the outermost sleeve 134 to ensure rotationalalignment thereinbetween. The front end piece 130 defines athrough-opening through which a ferrule 510 of the connector 110 passes.

A shrink tube 140 (e.g., a shrink fit tube having a heat recoverablelayer surrounding an adhesive layer as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,470,622, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein) and a strain-relief boot 143 protect the optical fibers 106 ofthe cable 105 as the cable exits the connector arrangement 108. Theshrink tube 140 has a forward section 141 that is configured toadherently attach over a rearward section 136 of the outmost sleeve 134and a rearward section 142 that is configured to adherently attach overthe cable 105 when installed. The tube 140 mechanically couples thecable jacket 107 to the sleeve 134 and seals the interface between thecable 105 and the sleeve 134. The strain-relief boot 143 mountscoaxially over the shrink tube 140. The boot 143 and tube 140 are shapedand configured to receive the transverse cross-sectional profile of thecable 105 (see FIG. 14).

A fastener 145 mounts over the outermost sleeve 134 for securing thefiber optic connector 110 to a component. In certain implementations,the fastener 145 includes a threaded nut. In some implementations, thefastener 145 secures the connector 110 to another fiber optic connector(e.g., a hardened fiber optic connector). In other implementations, thefastener 145 secures the connector 110 to the fiber optic adapter 150.For example, outer threaded region 146 of the fastener 145 may screwinto inner threads of adapter 150.

FIGS. 4-6 show one example implementation of a fiber optic connector 110suitable for terminating a multi-fiber cable, such as cable 105 shown inFIG. 2. The fiber optic connector 110 includes a connector body 111, amulti-fiber ferrule 510 that mounts at a front end 112 of the connectorbody 111, and a cover 128. The connector body 111 has a length L (FIG.4) that extends along an axis of the connector body 111. A fiber strainrelief boot 508 (FIG. 7) mounts at a back side of the ferrule 510. Theconnector body 111 includes front and rear ends 112, 113 separated bythe length L of the connector body 111. The connector body 111 has aforward section 114 and a rearward section 115. The forward section 114defines an interior 116 in which a rear portion of the multi-fiberferrule 510 is disposed. A spring (e.g., a coil spring) 129 also isdisposed in the connector interior 116. The spring 129 biases themulti-fiber ferrule 510 in a forward direction through the first end 112of the connector body 111.

The rearward portion 115 defines at least one strength component chamber117 (see FIG. 5) and a fiber passage 118. In certain implementations,the rearward portion 115 defines two strength component chambers 117(e.g., grooves, slots, receptacles). In such implementations, the fiberpassage 118 passes in between the strength component chambers 117. Incertain implementations, the inner walls 500 of the connector body 111taper inwardly from the forward interior 116 to the fiber passage 118 toaccommodate the strength component chambers 117 (see FIG. 5). In certainimplementations, two fingers 119 extend rearwardly from a rear plate 113of the connector body 111. Each finger 119 includes inwardly directedteeth adapted to grip/bite into the cable jacket 107 when the cable 105is attached to the connector 110.

The multi-fiber ferrule 510 is configured to receive polished ends ofmultiple optical fiber portions 102 (see FIG. 6). The multi-fiberferrule 510 defines a major axis A3 and a minor axis A4 (FIGS. 4 and 5).The major and minor axes A3, A4 of the multi-fiber ferrule 510 aregenerally perpendicular relative to one another. The major axis A3 ofthe multi-fiber ferrule 510 is generally perpendicular to the major axisA1 of the jacket 107 of the fiber optic cable 105 and the minor axis A4of the multi-fiber ferrule is generally perpendicular to the minor axisA2 of the jacket 107 of the fiber optic cable 105 (see FIG. 13). Themulti-fiber ferrule 510 has a width W and a height H (FIG. 6). Themulti-fiber ferrule 510 supports ends of a plurality of optical fiberportions 102 in openings 101 aligned along a line (e.g., axis A3) thatextends along the width of the multi-fiber ferrule 510.

When the connector 110 is fully assembled, the optical fiber portions102 extend at least partially through the connector body 111. In someimplementations, the optical fiber portions 102 are integral with theoptical fibers 106 of the fiber optic cable 105. In suchimplementations, the fibers 106 of the fiber optic cable 105 extendthrough the fiber passage 118 of the connector body 111 and through theforward interior 116 of the connector body 111. The multi-fiber ferrule510 is mounted directly on the optical fibers 106 of the fiber opticcable 105 without any intermediate splice. In certain implementations,the optical fibers 106 within the fiber optic cable 105 are ribbonizedor loose. In some implementations, the fiber passage 118 is elongatedalong the minor axis A2 of the fiber optic cable 105 and ribbonizedoptical fibers are routed therethrough with the major axis of the ribbonaligned with a major axis of the fiber passage 118 (see FIG. 13). InFIG. 13, the matrix material binding the fibers in a row is not visible.In FIG. 13A, matrix material 502 is schematically shown bonding thefibers 106 together to form the ribbon.

In other implementations, the optical fiber portions 102 are spliced tothe optical fibers 106 of the fiber optic cable 105 at a splice location103 within the connector body 111. In certain implementations, theoptical fiber portions 102 are fusion spliced to the optical fibers 106of the fiber optic cable 105, and the splices are mechanicallyreinforced using a re-coat process. In certain implementations, theoptical fiber portions 102 are ribbonized. Ribbonized fibers 106 of thefiber optic cable 105 extend at least partially through the passage 118towards the connector interior 116. The ribbonized fiber portions 102are spliced to the ribbonized fibers 106 at the splice location 103. Forexample, the fibers 106 and fiber portions 102 may be fusion spliced. Incertain implementations, the splice location 103 is reinforced andprotected by a recoating layer of additional binder or matrix materialapplied around the splice location 103.

In certain implementations, additional splice protection can be used toprotect the re-coated splice section. In some implementations, a thinplate 430 may be disposed adjacent the ribbon and a heat shrink tube iswrapped and shrunk around the ribbon and the plate. In one exampleimplementation, the plate 430 is formed of stainless steel, but may beformed from any desired material (e.g., tempered steel) in otherimplementations. The additional protection enhances the robustness ofthe splice section while maintaining a low profile. In otherimplementations, a glass strength member (e.g., having a half-round orrectangular cross section) is disposed adjacent the fibers instead ofthe plate. In other implementations, an adhesive layer is applied overthe fibers of the splice section instead of recoating them.

For example, FIG. 16 shows an enlarged view of a section of an exampleoptical cable 400 having a plurality of optical fibers 410 formed in aribbon. A plate 430 is disposed at the ribbon to extend across each ofthe fibers 410 and along part of the length of the fibers 410. A heatshrink tube 420 is wrapped around both the optical fibers 410 and theplate 430. As shown in FIG. 17, the plate 430 includes a generallyplanar (i.e., flat) plate. In some implementations, the plate 430 isgenerally rectangular. In certain implementations, the plate 430 has noflanges extending outwardly from a rectangular perimeter of the plate430. In certain implementations, the plate 430 is generally flexible.For example, in certain implementations, the plate 430 includes no edgereinforcements or stiffening elements. In certain implementations, theplate 430 has uniform flexibility. In some implementations, the plate430 has a constant transverse cross-section (see FIG. 18) extending fromone end 431 of the plate 430 to an opposite end 432 of the plate 430. Inone example implementation, the plate 430 has a rectangular transversecross-section (see FIG. 18)

In some implementations, the plate 430 has a thickness PT that is nogreater than about 0.01 inches along the length PL of the plate 430. Incertain implementations, the plate 430 has a thickness PT that is nogreater than about 0.005 inches along the length PL of the plate 430. Inone example implementation, the plate 430 has a constant thickness PT(FIG. 18) of about 0.002 inches. In other implementations, however, theplate 430 may have any desired thickness. In one example implementation,the plate 430 has a height PH (FIG. 19) that is slightly greater than aheight RH (FIG. 16) of the re-coated ribbon (see FIG. 16), but in otherimplementations may have the same height or a smaller height. In oneexample implementation, the plate 430 has a length PL (FIG. 19) that isslightly greater than a length of the re-coated ribbon, but in otherimplementations may have the same length or a smaller length. In certainimplementations, the plate 430 has a height PH that is no greater thanabout 0.15 inches and a length PL that is no greater than about 1.2inches. In certain implementations, the plate 430 has a height PH thatis no greater than about 0.13 inches and a length PL that is no greaterthan about 1 inch. In one example implementations, the plate 430 has aheight PH of about 0.12 inches and a length PL of about 0.925 inches.

The connector body 111 also defines a side opening 120 (FIG. 5) thatextends along at least part of the length L of the connector body 111.The side opening 120 is arranged and configured to allow the multi-fiberferrule 510 to be inserted laterally into the connector body 111 throughthe side opening 120. In certain implementations, the side opening 120is arranged and configured to allow the multi-fiber ferrule 510 and theoptical fiber portions 102 to be inserted laterally into the connectorbody 111 through the side opening 120. In certain implementations, theside opening 120 is arranged and configured to allow the multi-fiberferrule 510, the optical fiber portions 102, and the optical fibers 106to be inserted laterally into the connector body 111 through the sideopening 120. In this way, the optical fibers need not be axiallythreaded through an opening during the loading process.

The cover 128 mounts over the side opening 120 after the multi-fiberferrule 510 has been inserted into the connector body 111 through theside opening 120. In some implementations, the side opening 120 extendsalong the length L of the connector body 111 for at least fifty percentof the length L of the connector body 111. Indeed, in someimplementations, the side opening 120 extends along the length L of theconnector body 111 for at least 75 percent of the length L of theconnector body 111. In the example shown, the lateral access is providedalong the length L of the connector body 111 from directly behind afront end plate 506 at the front end 112 to the rear end 113 of theconnector body 111.

In some implementations, the cover 128 includes a first cover section121 and a second cover section 125. The first cover section 121 definesa retention surface 124 that is sized and shaped to be covered by aretaining surface 126 of the second cover section 125. In the exampleshown, the first cover section 121 is disposed over a front portion ofthe side opening 120 and the second cover section 121 is disposed over arear portion of the side opening 120. In other implementations, thecover 128 is an integral piece. In some implementations, the cover 128cooperates with the connector body 111 to define one or more of thestrength component chambers 117. In the example shown in FIG. 13, thecover 128 cooperates with the connector body 111 to define two strengthcomponent chambers 117 as will be described in more detail herein.

The cover 128 includes a spring compression member 122 that axiallycompresses the spring 129 within the connector body 111 when the cover128 is mounted to the connector body 111. In some implementations, thespring compression member 122 extends inwardly from the first coversection 121. In certain implementations, the spring compression member122 includes an arm 122 that is sized and configured to extend laterallyacross the connector interior 116 when the cover 128 is coupled to theconnector body 111. In the example shown, the spring compression member122 includes two arms 122 (FIG. 3) extending laterally from the firstcover section 121. In certain implementations, the arms 122 are sized toextend laterally across the connector interior 116 from the cover 128 toa radially opposite side of the connector body 111. In the example shownin FIG. 7, the arm 122 includes a distal tip 123 (FIGS. 10 and 11) thatfits into a slot or recess defined in the radially opposite side of theconnector body 111.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the connector 110 with the first coversection 121 exploded from the body 111 to reveal part of the forwardinterior 116. A front end piece 130 is exploded forwardly of the frontend of the connector body 111 to reveal the opening through the frontend plate 112. Optical fiber portions 102 extend through the opening.The multi-fiber ferrule 510 also has been exploded from the connectorbody 111 and rotated 90° for ease in comparing the ferrule 510 to theconnector body 111. The side opening 120 in the connector body 111 has amaximum cross-dimension CD that is smaller than a width W of themulti-fiber ferrule 510. When assembled, the ferrule 510 is oriented sothat the width W extends along a major axis (e.g., see axis A3) of thefront end piece 130.

FIGS. 7-9 show the multi-fiber ferrule 510 extending through thethrough-opening in the front end plate 506 of the connector body 111. Incertain implementations, the through-opening has a generally rectangularshape having opposing major sides and opposing minor sides. The ferrule510 defines rear shoulders 510 a (FIG. 8) that are sized and shaped toabut interior shoulders S at the minor sides of the front plate 506 toinhibit removal of the ferrule 510 from the body 111 (see FIG. 8). Theferrule 510 is installed in the connector body 111 by sliding theferrule 510 laterally through the side opening 120 of the connector body111 and sliding the ferrule 510 forwardly through the through-opening inthe front plate 506.

In some implementations, the through-opening in the front plate 506 isdefined by one or more tapered walls T (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Suchtapering may facilitate installation of the ferrule 510 in the connectorbody 111. In certain implementations, the through-opening has atransverse cross-sectional area that increases as the through-openingextends along the axis of the connector body 111 in a forward direction.In certain implementations, the major sides of the through-openingdiverge from one another as the major sides extend in a forwarddirection. In certain implementations, the minor sides of thethrough-opening also diverge from one another as the major sides extendin a forward direction. In certain implementations, the major and minorsides are planar and are angled at oblique angles relative to the axisof the connector body 111.

In some implementations, the rear section 115 of the connector body 111is configured to receive and retain at least one strength component 170of a fiber optic cable 105. In certain implementations, the rear end 115of the connector body 111 is configured to receive and retain at leasttwo strength components 170 of the fiber optic cable 105. Strengthcomponents 170 of the fiber optic cable 105 are anchored relative to thefiber optic connector 111. For example, in certain implementations, therear section 115 of the connector body 111 defines one or more chambers117 in which the strength components 170 may be disposed. In certainimplementations, adhesive (e.g., epoxy) may be applied to retain thestrength components 170 in the chambers 117. In certain implementations,the chambers 117 may include inwardly directed teeth or other retentionstructures to aid in anchoring the strength components 170 within thechambers 117.

In some implementations, the connector body 111 forms a first portion ofeach component chamber 117 and the cover 128 (e.g., the second portion125 of the cover 128) forms a second portion 127 of each componentchamber 117 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). When the connector 110 is assembled,the cover 128 is removed to reveal the side opening 120. The fiberportions 102 are disposed in the ferrule 510. If necessary, the fiberportions 102 are spliced to exposed ends of the cable fibers 106. Theconnector body 111 is installed on the cable 105 (e.g., over the splicelocation 103) by sliding the cable 105 through the side opening 120 sothat the cable fibers 106 slide into fiber passage 118 and strengthcomponents 170 slide into the first portions of the component chambers117. The cover 128 is mounted to the connector body 111 to close theside opening 120 and to close the chambers 117. The arms 122 of thecover 128 compress the spring 129 when the cover 128 is mounted to theconnector body 111. Adhesive may be added to the chambers 117 during theinstallation process.

Having described the preferred aspects and implementations of thepresent disclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosedconcepts may readily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it isintended that such modifications and equivalents be included within thescope of the claims which are appended hereto.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fiber optic splice assembly comprising: afirst plurality of optical fibers; a second plurality of optical fibersbeing spliced to the first plurality of optical fibers at an opticalsplice location, wherein the first and second pluralities of opticalfibers are ribbonized; and a reinforcing element having a length of auniform cross-section and a width of a uniform cross-section such thatthe reinforcing element has a constant thickness across the length andthe width, the reinforcing element being disposed adjacent to theoptical splice location such that the optical splice location isreinforced by the reinforcing element; wherein the reinforcing elementhas no flanges and is configured to reinforce the first and secondpluralities of optical fibers in a planar configuration.
 2. The fiberoptic splice assembly of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element has athickness thinner than the first and second pluralities of opticalfibers.
 3. The fiber optic splice assembly of claim 1, wherein thereinforcing element comprises a flexible material.
 4. The fiber opticsplice assembly of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element has athickness that is no greater than about 0.01 inches.
 5. The fiber opticsplice assembly of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element has athickness that is no greater than about 0.005 inches.
 6. The fiber opticsplice assembly of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element has aconstant thickness of about 0.002 inches.
 7. The fiber optic spliceassembly of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing element has a rectangulartransverse cross-section.
 8. The fiber optic splice assembly of claim 1,wherein the reinforcing element has a planar configuration.
 9. The fiberoptic splice assembly of claim 1, wherein the optical splice location isprotected by a polymeric material.
 10. The fiber optic splice assemblyof claim 1, wherein the first and second pluralities of optical fibersare fusion spliced together.
 11. An optical fiber splice assemblycomprising: a first plurality of ribbonized optical fibers; a secondplurality of ribbonized optical fibers being spliced to the firstplurality of ribbonized optical fibers at a splice location; and areinforcing element for reinforcing the spliced first and secondpluralities of ribbonized optical fibers in a planar configuration, thereinforcing element having a length of a uniform cross-section and awidth of a uniform cross-section such that the reinforcing element has aconstant thickness across the length and the width.
 12. The opticalfiber splice assembly of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element isglued adjacent to the splice location.
 13. The optical fiber spliceassembly of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element has a thicknessthinner than the first and second pluralities of ribbonized opticalfibers.
 14. The optical fiber splice assembly of claim 11, wherein thereinforcing element comprises a flexible material.
 15. The optical fibersplice assembly of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element has athickness that is no greater than about 0.01 inches.
 16. The opticalfiber splice assembly of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element has athickness that is no greater than about 0.005 inches.
 17. The opticalfiber splice assembly of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element has aconstant thickness of about 0.002 inches.
 18. The optical fiber spliceassembly of claim 11, wherein the reinforcing element has a planarconfiguration.
 19. The optical fiber splice assembly of claim 11,wherein the first and second pluralities of ribbonized optical fibersare fusion spliced together.
 20. The optical fiber splice assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the reinforcing element has no flanges.
 21. A fiberoptic splice assembly comprising: a first plurality of optical fibers; asecond plurality of optical fibers being spliced to the first pluralityof optical fibers at an optical splice location, wherein the first andsecond pluralities of optical fibers are ribbonized; and a reinforcingelement having a length of a uniform cross-section and a width of auniform cross-section such that the reinforcing element has a constantthickness across the length and the width, the reinforcing element beingdisposed adjacent to the ribbonized first and second pluralities ofoptical fibers to reinforce the first and second pluralities of opticalfibers in a planar configuration, and the reinforcing element beingdisposed across the optical splice location such that the optical splicelocation is reinforced by the reinforcing element; wherein thereinforcing element has no flanges.